Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| desembucharlo | /desembut͡ʃaɾlo/ (from spelling rules) |
| decirlo ya | /deθiɾlo ʝa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /desiɾlo ʝa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| decirlo de una vez | /deθiɾlo de una beθ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /desiɾlo de una bes/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to express the desire for someone to overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general. For example, Suéltalo is an informal equivalent that conveys a sense of urgency. In casual situations, you might use Vamos, cuéntame to encourage someone to speak up and share what they have to say or Anda, no te lo guardes to urge someone to express their thoughts openly and freely.
What does it mean word for word?
The metaphorical basis for this expression comes from the verb desembuchar, which literally means to empty one's mouth or to vomit.
Which one should you use?
While desembúchalo is a way to tell someone to stop hesitating, decirlo de una vez is a more neutral and less aggressive way to express the idea of 'spit it out' and translates to 'to say it once and for all'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Desembúchalo is an informal and somewhat blunt way to tell someone to stop hesitating and say what is on their mind. Other informal options include Suéltalo, Vamos, cuéntame and Anda, no te lo guardes.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using desembúchalo as a command to a single person, the stress shifts to the third syllable of the verb due to the addition of the object pronoun lo.
How do you pronounce it?
/desembutʃaɾlo/
Did you know?
- The verb desembuchar shares a root with the word embuchar, which describes the act of stuffing a cheek with food like a hamster.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, telling someone to soltar la lengua (release the tongue) is a common way to encourage them to 'spit it out' or confess.
- In different parts of the Spanish-speaking world, the level of 'aggression' in desembúchalo can vary. In some regions, it might be used playfully between friends, while in others, it is strictly a sign of irritation.
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿qué pasó con aquel chisme que tenías? Suéltalo.Hey, what happened with that gossip you had? Spit it out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spit it out” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
